Hotels near Heinzels Wintermärchen on Alter Markt

Heinzels Wintermärchen takes its name from the Heinzelmännchen, the legendary house gnomes who were said to do Cologne's work at night until a curious tailor's wife chased them away. Gnome figures decorate the stalls, and the market sprawls across the Old Town squares around the historic City Hall.

The Alter Markt section runs from 23 November to 23 December 2026. Its stalls sell crafts and food, and the narrow lanes between the squares are lined with traditional Kölsch breweries, where the local beer is served in slim glasses.

Many visitors name Heinzels as their favourite Cologne Christmas market for its playful decorations and Old Town setting, which feels cosier than the cathedral market.

Pro Tip: Combine Alter Markt with a Kölsch in one of the Old Town brewery taverns nearby. The waiters keep bringing fresh glasses until you place a beer mat on top of yours.